Zastava M83 .357 Magnum Revolver

The Zastava M83 is a .357 Magnum revolver, originally designed by Crvena Zastava for export and later issued to Yugoslavian military NCOs and police forces in the late 1980s. These revolvers remained in service across the region, including Serbia and Macedonia, well after the dissolution of Yugoslavia.

This six-shot, double-action revolver is available with a 4-inch barrel and a blued finish. It features a side-opening cylinder, exposed hammer, and a frame-mounted firing pin with an automatic transfer bar safety for reliability. The smooth double-action pull and light, crisp single-action offer excellent shooting performance. This revolver comes with its original factory wood grips for an authentic feel.

Chambered in .357 Magnum, the M83 can also fire .38 Special. Built on a heavy-duty steel frame, these revolvers were designed for durability and years of service.

**NOTE** Our firearms are carefully graded into two categories—Good and Fair—consistent with NRA antique/surplus standards.

• Good Condition: Featuring intact grips and clean, well-preserved metal surfaces.
• Fair Condition: Shows genuine character through wear:
  • Grips may exhibit minor cracks, chips, or small missing pieces.
  • Metal surfaces might display subtle surface rust, reflecting authentic age and use.

Historical Context:

Originally designed for export in 1983 by Crvena Zastava Arms in Kragujevac, Yugoslavia, the M83 revolver found unexpected domestic use when it was later adopted by the Yugoslav People's Army and police forces. Unlike most Eastern Bloc nations that preferred semi-auto pistols, Yugoslavia equipped some NCOs and officers with this heavy-frame, six-shot revolver, built to withstand continuous use in the field.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia, these revolvers continued to serve in Serbia, Macedonia, and other successor states, proving their reliability. While its production declined in the mid-1990s, surplus M83s have only recently been imported, giving shooters and collectors a rare chance to own a true Cold War-era military revolver.

NRA ANTIQUE/SURPLUS FIREARM CONDITIONS STANDARDS:

• FACTORY NEW: All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out.
• EXCELLENT: All original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore.
• FINE: All original parts; over 30% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood; good bore.
• VERY GOOD: All original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised; bore disregarded for collectors firearms.
• GOOD: Some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned or re-blued; principal letters, numerals and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.
• FAIR: Some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or re-blued; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.
• POOR: Major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collector's firearm.